Sudanese rebels down military Antinov in s. Kordofan

December 17,2012 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese rebels shot down a military Antonov plane while it was bombing an area in western South Kordofan state, said SPLM-North spokesperson.

In a statement release Monday, Arnu Ngutulu Lodi said that their anti-aircraft machine guns had downed the airplane on Tuesday 11 December around 11.00 am (local time) in Um Karisha area western South Kordofan.

Before to down it the Antonov was bombing Um Dorrain location, he said.

It was not possible to verify the claim immediately, but Anru pledged to release pictures for the downed aircraft very soon.

The Sudanese army intensified recently its attack on the positions of the SPLM-N in the Nuba Mountains, as the talks between the two parties are deadlocked.

The African Union mediation and international community believe that a cessation of hostilities between the government and the rebels will contribute to implement security arrangement Khartoum and Juba agreed last September.

However, Sudan says it would not engage talks with the rebels unless Juba disengage with the SPLM-N fighters.